New initiative will provide independent retailers and buyers with personalised advice from leading retail specialists at NEC Birmingham.
Retailers visiting Autumn Fair 2026 will have the opportunity to access free personalised business advice from some of the UK’s leading retail experts, thanks to the launch of the show’s new 1-2-1 Mentor Sessions.
Taking place in The Clubhouse in Hall 9 throughout Autumn Fair, which returns to the NEC Birmingham from 6-9 September 2026, the complimentary 30-minute consultations have been created to give independent retailers, buyers and business owners direct access to experienced professionals who can offer practical guidance on the challenges affecting their businesses.
From increasing sales and improving store layouts to strengthening product ranges, buying more effectively and future-proofing businesses, the sessions are designed to provide actionable advice that retailers can implement immediately.
Appointments will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and aim to help visitors overcome challenges, discover new opportunities and leave the show with valuable insights that continue delivering long after the event.
The mentoring sessions give our visitors something they simply can’t get online: dedicated one-to-one time with some of the industry’s most experienced retailers and consultants, who understand the challenges businesses are facing because they’ve lived them themselves.
Matthew Mein, Event Director at Autumn Fair
The launch comes at a time when independent retailers continue to navigate rising costs, changing consumer expectations and increased competition, making access to expert advice more important than ever.
Meet the retail experts
Retailers will be able to book sessions with a line-up of specialists covering areas including visual merchandising, buying, customer experience and business strategy.
John Abbate – Retail Design & Visual Merchandising Expert
John Abbate will help retailers transform their shops into destinations customers want to visit, sharing advice on everything from window displays and shopfronts to store layout, customer journey and visual merchandising techniques designed to increase footfall, dwell time and sales.
Samantha Gibbs – Founder & Director, Nest
Drawing on her experience building an award-winning independent retail business, Samantha Gibbs will provide practical advice on buying, merchandising, customer experience and creating community-focused retail environments that encourage loyalty and profitability.
Katy Norton & Lynsey Abbott – Co-founders, Buying & Beyond
Experts in buying, merchandising and commercial strategy, Katy and Lynsey will help retailers strengthen their product selections, identify emerging trends, improve supplier relationships and make more confident buying decisions.
Ami Rabheru – Founder, Retail Huddle
Ami Rabheru will support retailers looking to improve operations, sharpen their retail strategy, strengthen leadership and identify opportunities for future growth.
Matthew Mein, Event Director at Autumn Fair, said: “We know that today’s retailers aren’t just looking for great products, they’re looking for ideas, inspiration and practical support that will help their businesses thrive.”
He added: “Sometimes one conversation can completely change the direction of a business, whether it’s refining a buying strategy, improving visual merchandising or discovering new ways to increase profitability.”
The 30-minute sessions could provide retailers with “a year’s worth of ideas” and represent another way Autumn Fair is investing in its visitor community.
How to book
The sessions are available exclusively to registered Autumn Fair visitors and can be booked online ahead of attending the show.
For more information and to reserve a mentor session visit the link here.
